1978 Fender 135W Twin Reverb Kicks Ass.....in more ways than one

In this video we undertake the extremely difficult repair of a 1978 Fender Silverface Twin Reverb with both Push-Pull Boost and Master Volume Control. The repairs are made even more complicated due to extensive prior "repairs" (by individuals unknown). In effect, every single wire, connection, and component has to be double-checked, and many errors are found. In addition the customer requested that the Boost and Master Volume be completely removed from the circuit, which I did, and then replaced the original pot & switch with a variable NFB control. This process is carefully explained for viewers who would like to rid their circuits of this tone-sucking mess. All repairs appear successful until the amp receives its final audio check......and almost passes, before demonstrating problems in the Vibrato/Tremolo circuit, which will be addressed in a future video (unless I retire to avoid it).
There are several visits from Jack, KC, and a particularly menacing old 1930 Ford hot rod.....so get ready for a real adventure in the type of amp repair challenge that can drive strong men to alcohol......and thoughts of suicide :)
If you enjoy advertising-free, in-depth yet easily-undertood videos like this one, then please subscribe to our channel and consider becoming a Patreon patron at / uncledougsvintageamps or making a PayPal donation to: [e-mail]. Thanks so much for your interest and support :)

[@slash5bmw]

I started checking my KZbin subscriptions for this video the moment I mailed it in. Thanks for going to battle!

[@jfkesq]

I'm just a guitar player but now I know what my amp tech is going through when I bring in my Fender for service. He is worth every dollar I pay him. Can I get an Amen.

[@rowdyyates3801]

Dear Uncle Doug: You're not fooling me. You loved every minute you hated it. So did we. Thanks for the hard work.

[@Luke-King-Goodman]

This guy is so fun and entertaining with his dry humor, I could hang out with him all day.

[@SeanKerns]

Loved Jack's disappearing trick. He's a real character.

[@riccardofioretti9743]

A new video from Uncle Doug = happiness!

[@Finom1]

Thank you Uncle Doug, Bless you for sharing your wisdom with us!!!

[@sylvainbebert3704]

This one sounds really soo well, Bravo Uncle Doug !

[@chrischwaz7788]

Very good video I like it when you show up close it is very interesting to see I want to learn more on rebuilding amps thank you for making this video great job

[@petestofiel8606]

I really enjoyed this video as I have one of these 135 watters. I completed the master volume delete and the reverb bypass cap and I am glad I did. Great improvement! Without your video I would have been lost. THANK YOU!!!

[@smith3126]

Bless your patience in cleaning up someone else's mess, great job. Thank you for sharing the knowledge Uncle Doug.

[@garynash7594]

Mr . Uncle Doug when after 12 yrs. of reading tube amp books, electronic books I went down to guitar center ( the old cheap G.C .) An got one of these, it had beach sand an sea shells in it , homemade backpanels anyway..... That's the one l made all the mistakes went back an fixed l learned everything literally from that 135 watt ultra- linear twin reverb I had that head in there and I swear about 100 times! I love that amp now . Pretty much back to the old Twin rev. Design except .. l did keep that Big Ass power tranny I like 500 volts on the plates, turned the hum balance into a rear accessible Bias pot, got 4 R.C.A. 6L6GC's in there too it's Killer!!!

[@r3tr0nic]

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[@paullarnce2167]

This is way over my head, but it's nice to know that there's still someone out there that still understands this stuff. I remember my friends did their own repairs on their amps/guitars in the 60-70's.

[@MrPiperian]

you're a miracle worker Uncle Doug

[@plgplgplg]

Gotta pull my silver's master volume now...which means bringing it home from rehearsal space ever so carefully due to aging discs and retirement arm strength. Great vid thanx!

[@bamboosa]

However one might define NG that device adds even more Fender to the Fender. Simply exquisite.

[@Skinny_Karlos]

Am I the only one with CCR in my head when he hits that tremolo channel? 'Midnight Special' just kept coming.

[@jpalberthoward9]

If a guy was playing country, and he was chicken pickin' with a Telecaster at Madison Square Garden, the people in the very back row in the upper balcony would hear that amp just fine without even going through the P.A. Those tbings are insanely loud. The Sunn Coloseum, the Marshall Major, and the Ampeg SVT bass rig are the only others that are in that league.

[@paulmue4595]

Those amps are keepers ! We ll never see such strong and durable construction in guitar gear nowadays. I doubt any modern amp will endure 50 years of abuse like those. I own a much less noble fender of this era i just put 200e of repairs including power tubes and here it goes loud and proud.